Business

The Pearl Hotel, the luxury boutique hotel and crown jewel of the Rosemary Beach community, announces the appointment of Executive Chef Jordan Economy to lead the culinary program at its signature restaurant, Havana Beach Bar & Grill. Bringing more than two decades of culinary experience and a passion for global cuisine, Chef Economy will oversee the restaurant’s evolving food and beverage offerings while honoring the flavors that have made the eatery a favorite along 30A.  

Tucked into the lush greenery of Greenway Station in Seagrove Beach, The Lodge 30A offers a fresh way to experience South Walton’s coastal lifestyle without blowing through your travel budget.

Walton County will expand the existing Beach Tram service connecting visitors to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, beginning Friday, May 22.

Watersound Town Center has lots of room to grow along US 98 in eastern South Walton County. A visit to the heart of Watersound reveals a growing open-air, walkable center where daily lifestyle meets coastal luxury. Bordering the entrance to the Watersound Origins community, the continuously expanding collection of shops, restaurants, and event spaces are designed to serve the broader Watersound community & surrounding areas.

The beach is a wash and the sun is taking a vacation - what to do on a rainy day in South Walton, Florida when the kids are restless and you're looking for indoor activities?

Here is the 2026-2027 School Calendar from Visit South Walton - Use it to help plan your trips to SoWal & 30A. Locals can see when to promote business, events, and when to plan around traffic, and crowds at restaurants and grocery stores. The school calendar shows when K-12 schools and universities/colleges in our major travel markets will be on break and for school start dates.

South Walton School Calendar includes 30A travel info for Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break and other holidays.

In the glitzy world of coastal dining, it is easy to get caught up in high-end expectations, minimalist plating, and steep checks. But as many families discover when vacationing in SoWal, nothing quite compares to the comforting embrace of a true mom-and-pop landmark that locals love.

Just to the east of SoWal in Panama City Beach, Dolly Parton has brought a large dose of swashbuckling excitement, and you are invited to trade your beach towel for a pirate hat.

If you are looking for an action-packed escape that takes family entertainment to a whole new level, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Panama City Beach is delivering a legendary coastal spectacle that you truly have to see to believe.

While many know Chef Jim Shirley as one of the most successful business owners in South Walton, few truly know the quiet, humble heart behind the apron. He doesn’t seek the spotlight for his generosity, but Jim is a cornerstone of our SoWal community, working tirelessly behind the scenes to lift up those around him.